Year 9 tests - what are they?

[minesawine]

I have just been told that in January all Year 9 students have to take tests in English, Maths and Science. Are these SATS or is it linked to the start of their GCSE's?

They will most likely be school based tests - KS3 SATS were got rid of about 5/6 years ago but schools still have to report at level currently at the end of KS3 - some schools will do these in January and then start on KS4 for the remainder of Yr 9 in the core subjects to get some extra time for GCSE preparation.

It will be different for different schools as it is not a national test.